Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles

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What we have been up to...

The Lita Albuquerque Monument Restoration

August 8th 2012

MCLA is proud to announce that we are in the process of restoring the Lita Albuquerque Monument on the 101 Freeway. To accomplish this, MCLA enlisted the help of experienced community muralists to restore the murals the old-fashioned way. We are nearing the final stages of the restoration and plan to be done by the beginning of September 2012. This restoration was made possible through the help of the Department of Cultural Affairs and CalTrans. To see more images of the restoration process, click on the link below. Support our cause, and contribute today!

On August 19th, MCLA, as part of “The Friends of Josefina Quezada”, held a memorial at The Pico House, in honor of Josefina Quezada’s contributions and legacy. Josefina helped set in motion the preservation of Siqueiros’ América Tropicaland served as a cultural bridge between México and Los Angeles from the day she arrived in our city. She was a friend and mentor to many artists and art historians alike. “Doña Jose”, as she was so lovingly called, passed away this past May in the country of her birth. She went back, knowing that maestro Siqueiros would be proud to know that she helped place in motion the preservation of América Tropical. Her murals and her artistic contributions to our city will be a legacy for generations to come.

On Saturday August 25th, MCLA hosted a bike mural tour in Highland Park for new and existing members. The tour covered both traditional and non-traditional forms of street art, with a total of 15 murals. MCLA was pleased to have muralist John Zender Estrada in attendance to speak about several of his murals that where featured in the tour. Keep an eye out for upcoming tours in October!

Artist of the Month: Michael Massenburg

On a memorable response to his work: "One of the great things about when I’m in the process of creating paintings on the streets or murals, people come by and stop to talk to you. That’s really, to me, the jewel of it. They offer to donate money on the spot or they bring you something to eat or just the conversation or talking about who’s in the mural that they know or talking about “we’re going to protect this because this is ours.” Its great to get recognition through newspapers, magazines, critics, and the commissions are great but when you connect with the people that live with these pieces everyday, I think that’s really what the heart and beauty is."

In This Issue...

Lita Albuquerque Monument Restoration

Bike Mural Tour in Highland Park!

Artist of the Month: Michael Massenburg

Upcoming MCLA Mural Tours:

MCLA actively organizes mural tours throughout Los Angeles as a way to connect communities directly with these important public works. Follow MCLA on Facebook or visit ourevents page to stay up-to-date on upcoming mural tours throughout Los Angeles!

MCLA’s Executive Director, Isabel Rojas-Williams, as part of the Coalition team “Save the First Street Store & It's Integrated 1974 Mural, The Story of Our Struggle" voiced MCLA’s support for the Preservation and Adaptive Reuse of The First Street Store Building and its integrated mural. The Coalition has gathered over 3,000 signatures to save this monument to the Chicano/Mexicano/Latino community. Stay tuned as the coalition moves forward to save and protect one of the most recognizable landmarks in East Los Angeles!

The Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles’ Executive Director, Isabel Rojas-Williams will be lecturing at Crowell Public Library in San Marino. Her lecture will cover history of muralism in Los Angles, with a focus on major milestones and controversies. The lecture is free to the pubic and all are welcome to attend. The lecture will be taking place Thursday September 6 at 7:00 pm at Crowell Public Library:

1890 Huntington Drive, San Marino, 91108. Read this article to get an idea of what to expect.